ROCHESTER -- For his first two seasons, former Oakland forward Drew Maynard brought Golden Grizzlies fans to the O'rena before bringing them to their feet with electrifying plays.

Two years later, the Lake Orion native returns to the O'rena with a new team, Rochester College, hoping to help the cross-town rival Warriors to their first win over Oakland.

"I hope it's very competitive," Maynard said. "That's the style we play at Rochester."

A heralded high school recruit, Maynard played in all 36 games his freshman season at Oakland, starting 20 times in the 2008-09 season. But he was suspended prior to the beginning of his junior year and played just five games after being reinstated before opting to leave the program mid-season. He then transferred to Division II Valdosta (Ga.) State.

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"Playing at the Division I level, not many people get to do that," Maynard said. "I guess it played out for a reason.

"I'm thankful for the opportunity they're giving me here."

Maynard, who stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 250 pounds, in his final year of eligibility after receiving a red-shirt for the 2010-11 season. He's averaging 14 points and eight rebounds per game and said he's excited to return to his former home arena.

"It's a different feeling," he said, noting he's not going to overcompensate on the court. "I have to play hard and let the game come to me."

"The fans like Drew. We all like Drew," Kampe said. "He was an exciting player to watch and he brought a lot of enthusiasm to the court. He did some great things while he was here. His problem was off the court. It sounds to me like he's gotten all that fixed and I'm really happy for him that he's having such a great year and helping a team I have a great deal of respect for. I always want them to do well."

The teams have met on 14 previous occasions, all Oakland victories. Rochester took Oakland to overtime on Feb. 17, 1997, before falling by four points. The Golden Grizzlies have dominated the last five meetings, winning by an average of 23.4 points, although their margin of victory was just 11 points last season.

"This is a game where we go about our business and worry about Oakland," Kampe said. "We know they're a good basketball team. They are a very well-coached team and we know they're having a hell of a year."

Thursday's game against Rochester tips off at 7 p.m. at the O'rena. Oakland then travels to Ohio, a Sweet Sixteen qualifier last season, Saturday at 2 p.m. That game can be heard on Oakland radio on WDFN-AM (1130).